Cheverus Stags Spring Athletes of the Year

Male:

FRANK CURRAN, Senior-Lacrosse

* SMAA all-star, second team

Curran had his triumphant return to lacrosse cut short by injury, but did he ever make an impact during his short time in a Stags uniform, scoring goals with abandon.

Curran grew up in Portland, started playing lacrosse in the third grade and he played as a freshman at Cheverus, then focused on football and earned much acclaim as a lineman (Curran was given the Gaziano Award last fall for his defensive prowess).

This spring, Curran decided to return to lacrosse and it was a wise choice.

“I just wanted to play senior year,” Curran said. “I had fun. Linemen don’t get the credit in football, so I knew playing lacrosse, that if I had the ball that I would take advantage of it.”

Indeed, Curran became the top offensive weapon for a Stags team that enjoyed a solid campaign. In just 10 games, Curran scored 27 times.

Highlights included two goals in a win over Deering, the winning goal in a key victory over Kennebunk, four goals in a win at two-time defending regional champion South Portland, three goals against Gorham, two more in a win over Bonny Eagle, six goals in a loss at Greely, two goals and one assist in a loss to eventual Class A champion Scarborough and three goals in a win over Noble.

Then, in the 10th game of the season, versus Westbrook, Curran tore his meniscus and had to watch as the Stags beat Deering in the Class A North quarterfinals, then dropped a one-goal heartbreaker at eventual regional champion Brunswick in the semifinals (had Curran been in uniform for that game, it might have ended differently).

“I was addicted to improving this year,” Curran said. “I didn’t want to get embarrassed. Lacrosse was fun. It’s like a brotherhood.”

Curran plans to attend Husson University in the fall, where he’ll study business and play football.

His time in a lacrosse uniform won’t soon be forgotten. Frank Curran, Cheverus’ Spring Male Athlete of the Year, made sure his senior season was one to remember and he produced a lot of highlights in a short time.

Coach Bill Bodwell’s comment: “Frank is the most unique player I’ve coached in 20 years. He was a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. He was stronger than anyone on the field, but he also has superb quickness. He’s unstoppable for one defender and he has a hard outside shot if you give him space. He worked hard and led by example.”

Previous winners:

2015 Jake Dixon (track)

2014 Isaac Yeobah (track)

2013 Thomas Lawson (lacrosse)

2012 Louie DiStasio (baseball)

2011 Nic Lops (baseball)

2010 Jack Terwilliger (track)

2009 Mick DiStasio (baseball)

2008 Topher Pochebit (lacrosse)

2007 Todd Keneborus (baseball)

2006 Michael Antoniou (lacrosse)

2005 Ben Michaud (track)

2004 Ben Michaud (track)

Female:

EMILY TURNER, Junior-Track

* All-New England

* Class A state champion, 400 (new state record)

* Class A state champion, 100

* Class A state champion, 200

* SMAA all-star, 100

* SMAA all-star, 200

* SMAA all-star, 400

* SMAA all-star, 400 relay

* SMAA all-star, 1,600 relay

After a dominant indoor season, Turner raised the bar even higher this spring and permanently etched her name into Cheverus lore and the record books.

Turner, who also was named Cheverus’ Winter Female Athlete of the Year, came to track naturally, as her mother was a champion hurdler at Westbrook High School and her father ran for Cheverus. Turner first ran track in the seventh grade, but didn’t take part in eighth grade. She returned to the sport as a freshman and became a top competitor as a sophomore. Last spring, Turner was runner-up in the 400 at the Class A state meet.

Turner took her skills to a completely different level this year. Indoors, she won the 400 at the state meet and set four new school records.

It’s hard to imagine that she could do even better this spring, but Turner did exactly that, setting five personal bests and etching her name in the record books in four more events.

She dominated all season and after coming in second in the 100 and 200 at the SMAA championship meet, Turner put on a historic show at the state meet.

Turner not only met her goal of winning the 100, 200 and 400 at states, but she set a new state record in the 400 in the process. Turner anchored a champion 4×400 relay team as well.

At New Englands, Turner came in fifth in the 400 and 10th in the 200.

“My success this season was unbelievable,” Turner said. “I’m so grateful for my coaches, parents and teammates for everything. I’ve accomplished everything I hoped to do and so much more.”

Turner, who also plays soccer, won’t sneak up on anyone her senior season, but don’t be the least bit surprised if she improves upon her unrivaled accomplishments before competing at the next level.

Before she does, make sure you catch one of the brightest track stars around. Emily Turner, Cheverus’ Spring Female Athlete of the Year, is one of the state’s transcendent athletes.

Coach Steve Virgilio’s comment: “Emily had a tremendous year. Her success stems from realizing and embracing that she’s not better than others. She dominated this spring because she was the underdog, not because she was ‘better.’ She doesn’t take that approach and never will. She may have achieved unprecedented performances in Cheverus and Maine history, but it won’t change her character, her approach to preparation or her disposition in life. Emily has a lot of talent and potential, she gives it her best effort and she prepares, learns, trains and competes at an effectively high level. She’s strong mentally and physically, but her ability to work and execute is phenomenal. Emily still hasn’t reached her full potential in performance and is still developing her potential in other areas as well. If there are more precedents and inspiring performances to be had, Emily can.”